Eh, remember the days before your phone was practically glued to your hand? Or when you actually had to use a payphone at the kopitiam? It’s wild to think how much has changed since the 90s in Singapore. What do you miss most… or are glad to see gone?
Old School SG: Then & Now
- The Singapore of 1994 feels worlds apart from today. Back then, life moved at a different pace, largely untethered from the constant digital buzz we experience now – a time when perhaps less than 10% of households had internet access. Think pagers instead of push notifications, and waiting for the news on TV instead of instant updates on your phone.
- Many physical objects that were part of daily life have vanished or become novelties. Public payphones, once on every street corner, are now rare sights. The way we accessed information, like using card catalogs in libraries or bulky phone books, has been completely overhauled by digital search.
“Pay phones, card catalogs at the library, and phone books.”
- Even common tech like computer peripherals has transformed. Those old computer mice with the trackball? A relic of the past, replaced by sleek optical versions. And who remembers the satisfying click of inserting a floppy disk?
“Computer mice with balls to track movement rather than a light.”
“Floppy disks 💾”
The Price Of Progress?
- While progress brings convenience, it also comes with new challenges. One of the biggest shifts Singaporeans feel is the erosion of personal downtime. The expectation to be constantly available, thanks to smartphones and instant messaging, can be draining.
“The a ability to disconnect and not be expected to be available 24×7“
- There’s also a growing concern about the impact of constant screen time, especially on younger generations. The easy dopamine hits from social media and endless online content can make it harder to focus and engage deeply with the world offline.
“A generation of kids who’s focus hadn’t been robbed by the dopamine rush of constant access to screens”
- Beyond tech, some Redditors point to a loss of something less tangible – perhaps a collective optimism or a simpler worldview that existed before the internet became all-encompassing.
“Hope that the internet would make the world a better place.”
Finding Balance Today
- So, how do we navigate this new normal while cherishing what we’ve learned from the past? One key is to consciously reclaim our ability to disconnect. This isn’t about rejecting technology, but using it more mindfully.
“The a ability to disconnect and not be expected to be available 24×7”
- Set boundaries for yourself. Designate tech-free times or zones in your HDB flat, like during meals or an hour before bed. Try picking up an old hobby or starting a new one that doesn’t involve a screen. Rediscover the joy of a good book from the library or a walk in the park without checking notifications.
- Share your memories of the “good old days” with younger Singaporeans. Talking about how things were – the challenges and the charms – can help bridge generational gaps and remind us all to appreciate the journey. It’s about finding a healthy balance between embracing the future and valuing the lessons of the past.
